Does bleeding after defecation followed by a feeling of discomfort in the anus indicate internal hemorrhoids?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on February 01, 2025
00:00
00:00

Bleeding after bowel movements followed by discomfort in the anus may be due to internal hemorrhoids, but could also indicate ulcerative proctitis, rectal cancer, or infections around the anus. To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination with a digital colonoscopy. Based on the results of the colonoscopy, appropriate treatment measures can be taken. If the symptoms are caused by internal hemorrhoids, surgical treatment may be considered. For diseases like ulcerative colitis, treatment with salicylate preparations may also be used.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
53sec home-news-image

Can internal hemorrhoids heal on their own?

To determine whether internal hemorrhoids bleeding is self-healing, one should primarily assess the amount of bleeding and the duration of bleeding to further evaluate the severity of the condition. If it is the first occurrence or if the bleeding is mostly noticeable on toilet paper and is relatively minor, self-healing of internal hemorrhoids bleeding can be achieved through lubrication of the stool during defecation and, if necessary, oral administration of cooling blood-stopping medications. However, if the bleeding duration is prolonged, or if the amount of bleeding is significant each time, it is unlikely to achieve complete healing simply through lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes, or even medication. Further surgical ligation and hemostasis treatment may be required for the patient.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
58sec home-news-image

Can internal hemorrhoids burst by themselves?

Internal hemorrhoids that prolapse should not be burst forcibly. As internal hemorrhoids are located at the anus, they are continuously exposed to contaminants from fecal and secretion matter over time. If the prolapsed hemorrhoids burst, it could lead to local infections and even necrosis. Therefore, do not burst prolapsed hemorrhoids, but rather, try to push them back into the anus. If they cannot be reinserted, it is recommended to opt for surgical treatment early to avoid rupture or strangulated edema, which can lead to swelling, pain, or necrosis in the anal area. Surgical options include hemorrhoidal banding, PPH, or TST procedures. Post-surgery, treatments may include the use of anal washes, red ointment gauze, aureomycin ointment, etc. Moreover, patients should eat a light diet, maintain smooth bowel movements, and regularly perform pelvic floor exercises.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
58sec home-news-image

Will internal hemorrhoids be painful?

If internal hemorrhoids experience local mucosal rupture or repeated prolapse leading to friction of the mucosa, it is likely to cause pain and even bleeding. To avoid pain caused by internal hemorrhoids, it is recommended that patients use hemorrhoid suppositories for local administration in the rectum for early flare-ups to reduce swelling, relieve pain, and cool and stop bleeding. If internal hemorrhoids prolapse and cannot retract back into the anal canal on their own after each prolapse, it is suggested that patients consider surgery to ligate and excise the affected internal hemorrhoids, or inject sclerosants under the mucosa of the hemorrhoids to cause local mucosal consolidation and shedding. Patients with internal hemorrhoids are advised not to strain excessively during bowel movements to avoid worsening local congestion and edema.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
30sec home-news-image

The harm of internal hemorrhoids prolapse

Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids are one of the main clinical manifestations of internal hemorrhoids, and their harm is mainly manifested in two aspects: Firstly, the prolapse of hemorrhoidal tissue outside the anus can lead to perianal skin eczema and itching, and anal eczema. Secondly, it can lead to incarcerated hemorrhoids, where the prolapsed internal hemorrhoid, held by the sphincter, forms congestion, and is accompanied by hardening of the hemorrhoidal tissue, pain, and even necrosis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by He Cai Dong
Colorectal Surgery Department
1min 1sec home-news-image

What should I do if the internal hemorrhoids hurt after being pushed back in?

If the pain does not subside after pushing back a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid, it is often due to the formation of a thrombus, which is why the localized pain is quite noticeable. In such cases, it is advised to use topical medications for treatment. You can use hemorrhoid suppositories or ointment, inserting them into the anus to alleviate the pain. If the pain remains significant, you can also take oral pain relievers temporarily. If pain persists even after these treatments, it may be considered a strangulated hemorrhoid, which is more serious. It is recommended that you visit a formal hospital's proctology department. There, a doctor can perform a digital rectal examination and an anoscopy to establish a definitive diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment. If very severe, surgery may be needed. (Use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)